Early-diagnosed silent sinus syndrome and cone-beam computed tomography in a pediatric patient: a case report

• Published in: Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2020, 46(2), , pp.155-159
• Main Authors: Leidens, Natali, Franco, Ademir, Santos, Marco C J, Makeeva, Irina M, Fernandes, Ângela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case Report; 치의학
• ISSN: 2234-7550; 2234-5930
• DOI: 10.5125/jkaoms.2020.46.2.155

Chronic maxillary atelectasis (CMA) is a progressive alteration in the volume of the maxillary sinuses that may result in facial asymmetry. CMA in asymptomatic patients is known as silent sinus syndrome (SSS) and is a rare entity, especially in pediatric patients. This study reports a case of SSS in a pediatric patient who received an early diagnosis through cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). An asymptomatic 12-year-old female patient in orthodontic treatment presented with opacification of the left maxillary sinus on a panoramic radiograph. Clinically, the patient had discrete hypoglobus and enophthalmos. CBCT and nasal video-endoscopy revealed ostiomeatal obstruction with bone deformity, leading to diagnosis of SSS. Endonasal endoscopic maxillary sinusotomy was performed. Two years later, the patient remained asymptomatic, and a second CBCT exam confirmed a stable condition. This case highlights the role of optimal radiographic interpretation for early diagnosis of maxillofacial alterations in pediatric patients.